Match Preview: Lowly Leicester in tough against Manchester United

If Tuesday was any indicator, Leicester City are in for the long haul.

Location: King Power Stadium, Leicestershire, England

Kick-off time: 4:00 PM GMT, 11:00 AM Eastern, 8:00 AM Pacific

Losing 1-0 to Burnley at Turf Moor while the rest of the bottom dwellers like Sunderland and Hull continue to pick up points leaves the Foxes in a precarious position only one off the drop. Now, they head home to the King Power Stadium this Sunday to face Manchester United in what will be another huge test for the club.

If you needed any more convincing about Leicester being pulled into a relegation battle, look no further than the month of January. The Foxes failed to score a league goal in the four Premier League matches last month while conceding seven. They scored two goals all month thanks to a 2-2 draw in the FA Cup with rivals Derby County... well, actually only one thanks to Darren Bent’s comical own goal.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The Leicester offense takes another beating with the injury to striker Islam Slimani, who will remain out of the lineup with a groin injury. Leonardo Ulloa, who’s fresh off a strike after not being transferred at the deadline, is also out with a thigh problem.

Leicester have won once in their last 17 attempts against Manchester United, and the Red Devils are currently one of the hottest clubs having been unbeaten in their last 14 matches. Away from home they’re unbeaten in their last six. Tough go for the the Foxes. The only injury for Jose Mourinho’s men is Phil Jones with a foot problem, but other than that it’s a full roster for United.

The Foxes have a new option on the back end in Udinese loanee Molla Wagué, who joined right before the deadline until the end of the season. It’s unlikely we’ll see a debut from the Mali international this weekend, but it wouldn’t be the worst decision Ranieri has made this season.